Yet another study just released indicates that teenagers with access to condoms at school do not become any more sexually active than teens who do not have access. Other research over the years also demonstrates the same: Sex information and even condom availability do not contribute to increased sexual participation.
The latest research surveyed 1,945 Los Angeles high school students before condoms were made readily available through the school nurse’s office and 1,110 students one year later. Before, 55.8% of males and 45.4% of females were sexually experienced with intercourse. A year later, percentages were essentially unchanged.
What did change was an increase in safer choices among those who are sexually active. Condom usage among males increased from 37% to 50%, while female use increased from 27% to 32%.
ASA is not proposing school condom distribution. We just want to point out that decisions by our youth to be (or not to be) sexually active are not precipitated by education or prevention programs. Such decisions are more deeply seated, formed by attitudes within families and our broader culture. What prevention programs can do is raise awareness of the issues and provide information which might not be encountered elsewhere, enabling more appropriate decisions when risk opportunities arise. (For details, see Family Planning Perspectives, Mar/Apr 1998.)
Sandy Bartlett, Community Information/Education Coordinator AIDS Services of Austin
ASA Info Line: 458-AIDS
This article appears in May 8 • 1998 and May 8 • 1998 (Cover).